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DIY Concrete Leaves01:25

Learn how to make these concrete leaves for indoor or outdoor decor.

A classic for a reason, concrete leaves are a common-place addition to many gardens, adding a solid path and a beautiful accessory in one. Now, we’re swooning over concrete leaf bowls that are even more versatile than their flattened counterparts. Let's just say this classic craft is turning over a new leaf.

Materials Needed

large, textured leaf

shallow box

sand

spray bottle + water

garbage bag

bucket

quick-drying cement

stir stick

cooking spray

plastic gloves

felt pads (optional)

Create Bowl Shape

Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

Photo By: Jalynn Baker

Photo By: Jalynn Baker

Photo By: Jalynn Baker

To make things easy, use a shallow box to keep your working space contained. A cheap, unused cat litter pan is a great option. Pour in several inches of sand, and begin forming a mound that will create the depth of your bowl. Place your leaf on top of the sand to be sure you have a good shape. (Note: You'll want a large leaf that has pronounced veining. The more veining, the more texture for your finished product.) Remove the leaf, and spray the sand with water to hold it in place.

Add Leaf + Mix Cement

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

Next, cut open a garbage bag, and lay it across the sand. Spritz the bag with cooking spray, and place the leaf on top with the veins facing up. Cover the leaf in a light coating of cooking spray as well to prevent it from sticking to the dried concrete. Once you are sure you're ready to start, mix your quick-drying cement. This stuff holds up to its name, so it's important you're all set to start laying it out before you mix it up. For a leaf this size, you'll need about 4-6 cups of cement. Mix according to the bag instructions.

Lay Cement

Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

Photo By: Jalynn Baker

Photo By: Jalynn Baker

Slip into those disposable gloves, and get ready for the fun part. Starting in the middle of the leaf, begin applying your cement mix. The thickness is up to you, but ours is about 1/2-inch thick. If your cement mix is too runny to easily handle and shape over your leaf, mix in more cement until to you get the desired consistency. Once you’ve covered the entire leaf, leave it to dry overnight.

Enjoy!

Cassidy Garcia

Jalynn Baker

Concrete Leaf Splash Block

Photo By: Cassidy Garcia

DIY Concrete Leaf Bowl

A DIY concrete leaf acts as the perfect fruit bowl for this modern table setting.

Photo By: Jalynn Baker

Layer several leaves in multiple sizes for the concrete splash block of your dreams. Or, for an adorable indoor addition, add stick-on felt pads to prevent scratches on furniture. The options are plentiful for this simple DIY.

These simple, stylish tile coasters will be a great addition to your outdoor entertaining toolkit. They also make a wonderful hostess gift, paired with the makings of a cocktail or a pretty corkscrew or bottle opener.

If you loved doing sand art as a kid, here’s a grown-up-friendly twist on this easy craft you’ll want to try. Just add a votive candle, and you’ve got a stylish centerpiece or accessory for your home. You can customize the colors to complement any decor or occasion.

Wood burning is a great way to dress up bamboo kitchen tools: It won't wash off, gets better with age and can create one-of-a-kind designs. Upgrade your utensils in an afternoon with a little DIY elbow grease.